Pasco County residents can register for a chance at one of 1,500 free trees, but the deadline to enter is Thursday, Oct. 1.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR), led by Director Keith Wiley, switched to a lottery for its fall tree giveaway. The format replaces the first-come, first-served system that sent residents lining up before sunrise at past events. The department said on its Facebook page that the lottery will make the process fairer and cut down on the long lines and wait times that marked earlier giveaways.

Wesley Chapel residents are eligible alongside all Pasco County households. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey is the closest of the three pickup sites to Wesley Chapel.

The county doubled the number of trees from its spring giveaway, funded in part through the Tree Mitigation Fund. PRNR said the changes came after resident feedback from the earlier event. Four species are available: Dahoon holly, Little Gem magnolia, red cedar and red maple.

Registration opened Monday, Sept. 21, and runs through Thursday, Oct. 1, at mypas.co/FreeTreeRegistration. Residents need a Pasco County webtrac account to enter. Each person can pick one primary choice and up to three secondary choices of park and tree species. Selecting four choices increases the odds of receiving a tree.

Only Pasco County residents are eligible. Winners will be notified by Friday, Oct. 2.

Pickup is set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at three parks:

  • Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City
  • Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Dr., Shady Hills

This is the county's second tree giveaway of 2026. PRNR said the program aims to grow Pasco's tree canopy and encourage residents to plant native species.

The county has not said whether the lottery format will continue for future giveaways. Residents who miss the Oct. 1 deadline will have to wait for the next one.

Upcoming

  • Free tree lottery registration deadline — Thursday, Oct. 1, at mypas.co/FreeTreeRegistration
  • Tree pickup day — Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m. to noon, at Starkey, Withlacoochee River and Crews Lake parks